Kent Toalson

Do not fear mistakes; there are none.– Miles Davis

Kent Toalson has lived in Nashville, TN for 9 years as a session organist and keyboardist, in addition to working intermittently as a producer and sound engineer for a widespread and eclectic mix of projects.His experience in playing with an ever-shifting network of musicians and songwriters has led him on a course of surprising life lessons, all while developing big ears and a devoted heart for music.Kent is a member of reggae rockers Floralorix, organist for STAX and Booker T & the MGs all-star tribute group Time is Tight, organist for the soul-jazz collective Fatcakes, and is the lynchpin keyboardist for The Music City Toppers, which host the ‘Funky Tonk’ every Thursday at Acme Feed and Seed on historic Lower Broadway.

Before his path as a rising Music City veteran, Kent developed his piano technique with 10 years of strictly classical training and theory, often winning judges’ picks and invariably receiving the highest marks in local and state competitions. His classical background led him to explore jazz, playing in his high-school jazz band and a local jazz-funk trio his senior year of high school.Kent came to Nashville in 2008 to attend Belmont University with a double major in Audio Engineering and Philosophy, albeit with little intention of playing music outside of a recording studio setting.

Nevertheless, the music scene inevitably beckoned with an extensive array of live artists and bands.Kent found himself playing soul and RnB, country, hip-hop, jazz, reggae, funk, folk, metal and psychedelic rock at various times during his tenure at Belmont.These pervasive connections led to shows at venues all around Nashville including The 5 Spot, Exit/In, Marathon Music Works, City Winery, 12th & Porter, 3rd and Lindsley, Bluebird Café, Loveless Café, and various Broadway honky tonks, to go along with an endless amount of college house shows and regional tours on the road.

Kent has studied music under John Medeski, Billy Martin, and Chris Wood of pioneering modern jazz trio Medeski, Martin & Wood; Regi Wooten of Wooten Brothers fame; noted local pianist and composer Steve Willets, and a collection of important teachers along the way.Kent has been of member of, or played with: the Amanda Broadway Band, Alicia Michilli, Andy Dozier & Heavy Soul, Luthi, Mountainwalker, Kate McRae, Suzy Jones, the Coolin’ System, and a dozen others.

“It’s wonderfully fulfilling to teach music, because the student always inadvertently teaches the teacher,” Kent says, “that rush of learning something new keeps me seeking… pushing for newer, better, even more fun ways to play and teach.”

Check out Kent’s music below, or fill out our contact form for more information on piano lessons in Nashville.

Shane is teaching my 4-year-old son how to play guitar. He really gets through to him, by being so nice, so patient (very important when you're 4-years-old) and so encouraging. We're still learning the basics, but the way Shane presents the material makes it very easy to learn. It's laid back, but we're learning! As for the location, parking has been an issue for us on occasion, so give yourself a few extra minutes beforehand to find a spot. Overall, very pleased.

I'm a singer/songwriter and a freshman Songwriting major at Belmont University. I looked into taking guitar lessons after realizing that I didn't know enough theory or enough guitar to keep up with others I wrote with. In just the few short months of lessons, Shane has gone above and beyond to help "fill in the gaps" of my guitar/ theory knowledge. He's excellent guitarist and teacher, and has helped to not only improve my playing, but also my songwriting and my confidence in music theory. Highly recommended!

Shane has been teaching my elementary age girls for a year. They have made incredible advances in reading and playing music. His method is relaxed but systematic and organized. They are excited to go to lessons and excited to practice, and they are playing all music genres relevant to the lesson that is taught. What keeps them really hooked is that he peppers music into the lessons that they choose, and it really rounds out the experience. He is patient and can really draw out the student. The lessons are not cookie cutter, but very tailored to the needs and skills of the student. I can't say enough good things about Green Hills Guitar Studio.

I recently decided to return to playing the guitar after a "break" of over 3 decades. I chose to begin lessons with Shane after researching options. I have been very pleased with Shane's skills and patience! He really wants the learning experience to be enjoyable and enriching. I would recommend Shane Lamb to anyone of any age and any skill level.